OMD Worldwide taps John Osborn as US CEO

According to a press release, Osborn joined BBDO New York to work on the Pepsi business, rising to lead account director. He then became the principal architect of the agency's integrated marketing efforts, expanding services to include digital and social marketing, experiential marketing and design. As president and chief executive, Osborn focused on growth, innovating in areas like healthcare and expanded data capabilities by establishing an in-house partnership with Omnicom Media Group's Annalect data and analytics platform.

"One of the great things about working at an Omnicom agency is the focus on growth, both personal growth and business growth. This can come in many forms,” Osborn said in a statement. “As I move into the US CEO's chair at OMD, growth, especially growing our clients' business, remains the defining priority – still working with the best people in the business, but now viewed from the perspective of the media context in which messaging comes to life."

His appointment is effective immediately. He will be based in New York.

Osborn succeeds Monica Karo, who is taking on the role of chief client officer of OMD Worldwide.

The release also said Osborn's commitment to delivering the talent and tools that drive brand growth, combined with the energy and insights he brought to solving clients' most challenging business problems, have been integral to the list of strong client relationships that have been the hallmark of his tenure at BBDO.

"John's cross-channel expertise, combined with his skill in creating and leading multi-disciplinary teams, makes him the ideal choice to lead OMD," said Omnicom Media Group North America chief executive Page Thompson. "He's a proven and passionate leader who knows how to build the relationships – with clients, with agency partners, and with talent – that build brands."